Oxford's revamped Westgate Shopping Centre to have rooftop area with 'panoramic' views

The garden area would offer panoramic views of the city's Dreaming Spires, with possible uses including restaurants, live performances and cinema screenings.

Early concept images released to the Oxford Mail are part of plans now out for public consultation.

• What do you think of the plans? Get in touch with your views

• An image of the Westgate contruction site taken by a drone.

Westgate Oxford Alliance development manager Sara Fuge said yesterday: "The rooftop experience will be a special place where visitors can spend time enjoying views of the Dreaming Spires and the beautiful countryside that surrounds the city.

"The designs we have submitted illustrate these aspirations and we look forward to welcoming all residents and visitors to Oxford when we open in October next year."

It is the latest phase of the Westgate centre's £440m redevelopment, which is expected to to generate up to 1,000 jobs.

The scheme will give the centre's original 1970s arcade a facelift and create four new buildings, including 100 new stores, 25 restaurants and cafes, a boutique cinema and public spaces.

Oxford City Council leader Bob Price said the rooftop area had the potential to be "transformative".

He added: "The Westgate is going to be more than just a shopping centre, so this will be really significant to the development of this quarter of the city.

"It could be an exciting area for performances and art, as well as a great public space – which is something we need more of.

• The plans say live performances could be staged in the new space.

"You will not only be able to see the Dreaming Spires but also fabulous views of Boars Hill, Hinksey Heights and Raleigh Park."

Plans lodged with the city council by the Westgate Oxford Alliance say the rooftop area could be used for "a programme of exciting events".

A grass 'quad' with a retractable canopy would feature as the main performance area, with space for 200 people sitting or 450 standing.

The plans are expected to be considered by a committee of councillors by November.

City council planning boss Alex Hollingsworth said a key issue would be "making sure the balance is right between offering a great space for the public and the effect of noise and light on nearby residents".

It comes after work started on the revamp of the shopping centre in February 2015, when the old multi-storey car park was demolished.

Since a major excavation to create the centre's new underground car park, including archaeological digs, the new buildings have slowly been taking shape and eight cranes are set to be in use at the site.

To comment on the rooftop plans online, visit public.oxford.gov.uk/online-applications and use the reference 16/02139/RES.